Refugee claims in Saskatchewan have seen a sharp rise of nearly 98% following significant cuts to federal and provincial immigration programs, leading to a substantial drop in the number of permanent residents, according to federal data.
The number of individuals with valid asylum claims surged from 683 in April 2024 to 1,344 a year later, as reported by Statistics Canada. Immigration lawyer Chris Veeman from Saskatoon highlighted a case where a student faced limited options but to pursue a refugee claim due to changes in immigration policies.
Nationally, total asylum claims increased by 32% over the same period, reaching 479,542 claims, as per Statistics Canada figures. Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia also experienced notable increases in asylum claims, with percentages ranging from 53% to 87%.
Veeman explained that many immigrants are resorting to asylum claims as their last option to stay in Canada permanently, following the reduction in immigration targets by the government. He emphasized the challenges faced by non-permanent residents, such as students and work permit holders, in finding pathways to permanent residency.
The province of Saskatchewan witnessed the most significant decline in new permanent residents among all provinces, matching Prince Edward Island’s 53% drop. This decline contrasted with a national decrease of 23% in new arrivals.
While Ottawa’s latest immigration plan allocates more spots for the provincial nominee program in Saskatchewan, offering opportunities for newcomers based on labor needs, many temporary permit holders already in the country face uncertainty and limited options.
The reduced intake of permanent residents in Canada, with a decrease from 114,905 to a target of 91,500 for the upcoming year, is causing real-life consequences for individuals like Subbiah S., who moved to Saskatoon with dreams of permanent residency but now faces challenges due to evolving immigration policies.
As the dynamics of immigration change, Saskatchewan’s population shifts are evident in the declining numbers of both permanent and non-permanent residents, reflecting the broader impact of federal policies on migration patterns.
Efforts to retain newcomers in Saskatchewan focus on job market integration and community engagement. However, individuals like Subbiah S. are contemplating alternative options, including potential relocation to other provinces like Alberta, to secure their future in Canada.
